Design Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (DMEL) Coordinator at Search For Common Ground’s International

Position Summary

• The Design Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (DMEL) team plays a key role within the program department in supporting projects’ adaptation based on evidence that Search’s Global Programs generate in each country. DMEL implements best practices in monitoring, research and evaluation, and contributes to the broader organizational learning across programs; under technical support and in collaboration with the Institutional Learning Team (ILT). DMEL also contributes to business development processes ensuring quality of program design which integrates lessons learned and evidence collected and alignment with global and conflict geography strategies. DMEL is responsible for ensuring alignment of country programs with global standards, including the Evidence and Learning Protocols and the Global Impact Framework (GIF). The team is led by the DMEL Manager under the leadership of the Country Director. The team engages at multiple levels of the program structure and with other departments within the country’s structure, such as finance, HR, logistics, etc.
• To that end, Search for Common Ground is seeking a dynamic, analytical, and self-motivated individual for the position of Design, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Coordinator to be based in Port Harcourt Rivers State to provide oversight function on all MEAL activities in the three target states. This role requires one with experience in the design and implementation of programme monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning across the Development and Peacebuilding nexus. 
• S/he must have concrete experience with monitoring and collection of quality routine and non-routine programme data to support Search to gather, analyze, and process complex information related to all aspects of program activity implementation, have it stored in a database, and promote its usage for programming.  The position holder will also ensure that data for the DMEL OKR indicators are collected routinely and used to update the GMS. S/he will support the programme DMEL officer and Intern stationed in Bayelsa and Delta respectively to develop a project indicator tracking Template and use it to capture routine and non-routine data for use in producing Quarterly performance dashboard that showcases progress toward programme results target and reportage to key stakeholders.  
• The incumbent will carry out his/her work according to an established DMEL standard operating procedure for collecting data, monitoring project progress, and measuring program inputs/outputs/outcomes result statements. The DMEL Coordinator will administrative report to the Programme Manager and will be technically supervised by the Head of DMEL Unit. S/He will also liaise with the PDQR Unit and other programme Staff in providing technical support to the State Teams on key DMEL activities in the field. 

Responsibilities

• Contributions 
• Project Execution & Learning
• Evidence & Impact
• Technical Positioning
• New Frontiers
• Review and support the execution of projects’ M&E plans in line with the Programme strategy and Theory of Change;
• Coordinate within and across teams to pursue M&E goals, standards, and best practices in collaboration with the Head of  DMEL
• Support the process of reflective practice and evidence-based programming through bi-annual reflection meetings and ensure that reflection logs are populated and uploaded on GMS timely. 
• Using Power-bi or Excel, ensure to produce quarterly programme dashboard showing progress towards programme results targets and share with programme teams indicating areas for improvement
•  Collaborate with teams for high-quality M&E reporting
• Identify personal skills development goals to pursue in collaboration with supervisor annually.
• Provide direct support to project managers and other key internal stakeholders to develop, implement and review programme and M&E plans and tools;
• Planning
• Participate in team planning reviews including BVA Reviews and M&E planning in line with the organization’s strategy; 
• Organizational Performance
• Collaborating with programme teams to develop an indicator reference sheet for project indicators in line with Search and Donor MEAL Standards and train staff to use it to inform project reporting. 
• Work with the Head of DMEL in program team reflections and draft action plans to address bottlenecks to performance in alignment with organizational standards;
• Share evidence with teams stemming from M&E activities to support program adaptation.
• Ensure learning documents (includes research, M&E, and programmatic best practices) uphold Search standards for assessing program impact and building evidence;
• Support to carry out data quality assurances and submit a report to the Head of DMEL with clear recommendations on how data quality in the organization can be improved. Upon approval of recommended strategy or any other that may be suggested, DMEL Coordinator will be responsible for building the capacity of programme Staff on how data in the programme will be improved.
• Work closely with the Head of DMEL to roll out a Beneficiary Feedback and Response Mechanism that has a clear and appropriate channel of communication that suits each audience in the target States.  
• Support in research and analysis of data that contribute evidence for the program team in line with Search learning agenda and global standards for assessing impact;
• Identify lessons learned, constraints, and project impacts based on determined theme and/or sector for inclusion in programme Reports. 
• Periodically conduct monitoring visits using an appropriate checklist and share findings with programme teams for adaptation. Where need be, share observations from monitoring visits with the DMEL Manager when findings demonstrate questionable actions. 
• Design and implement Terms of Reference for MEAL Technical Working Group comprising all the MEAL Leads to meet quarterly to support in developing data tools, Data Quality Assessment of project data, Support with survey designs such as post distribution monitoring amongst others on this project  and 
• Chair the MEAL TWG and ensure to develop project Quarterly Dashboard that will feed into project reports to key stakeholders.   
• Collaborate with the Head of the DMEL/ILT department on initiatives that support staff to enter and build skills within networks of technical expertise in the organization; 
• Lead data entry and data management, including the use of the Grant Management System;
• Support business development processes for quality and alignment with E&L standards;
• Participate in and serve as project M&E representative at relevant events and initiatives developed with project’s partners in target states. 
• Infuses organizational values into all work.
• Other duties that are broadly in line with the above key contributions as assigned.

Competency Behavior Indicators (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Initiates brainstorming or problem-solving meetings. With time in job, develops skills for analyzing and communicating program successes and failures; reports lessons learned to the team and other members.
• Represents Search at local and international events and meetings for professional organizations, vendors, partners, and funders. Develops skills to independently initiate and maintain relations with vendors, partners, and funders. Articulates Search program/project goals and objectives within Search and to external audiences.
• Demonstrates appreciation for diversity of thought. Builds cross-functional relationships with other functional departments.
• Demonstrates ability to be adaptable and willing to confront and change own ideas and preconceptions with the resiliency and flexibility to make changes based on hearing a diversity of thoughts.
• Drafts team documents, briefing materials, and presentations. Articulates program/project objectives and how they fit into a team’s goals and/or Search’s mission and adapts to the communications setting.

Experience and Qualification

• University degree is required; University degree in international development, social science, economics, or related field is desired. (Masters will be an added advantage)
• Additional education in conflict management and Monitoring and Evaluation 

Required Experience

• A minimum of 6 years’ experience in field monitoring, evaluation design, empirical and statistical analysis, management information systems and/or information management design is required.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and working with international donor Projects PMEL/MLE systems.
• Experience in supporting and monitoring field-based programs in Nigeria
• Experience in using appropriate strategies  in determining direct and in-direct beneficiaries reached by Search Projects in the States
• Experience in working with Beneficiary Response and Feedback Mechanisms managing databases and coordinating evaluations, surveys, and impact monitoring.
• Demonstrable experience developing Dashboard Professional training in project management or MEAL.

Other Relevant Requirements

• Collaborative working style that enables coaching and training in M&E principles and best-practices
• Good knowledge of the local languages will be an asset.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. is required.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills;
• Innovative, analytical and detailed oriented
• Knowledge of data software such as Kobo, ODK,  SPSS power-bi;
• Excellent analytical and report writing skills;
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace; Ability to prioritize, plan and organize workflow to tight timeframes, handle multiple tasks, and be flexible with changing priorities.
•  Attention to detail and ability to follow up on tasks to completion is required.
•  Experience of working in a conflict environment is a plus.
•  Written and spoken fluency in English is required.